Commercial Door Closer Repair & Replacement
Is your storefront door slamming shut and startling customers? Notice oil leaking from the hydraulic arm above your entrance? At 305 Locksmith, we repair and replace door closers throughout Miami-Dade County, helping businesses maintain smooth, controlled door operation.
What Is a Commercial Door Closer?
A door closer is that hydraulic arm mechanism you see mounted at the top of commercial doors. Its job is simple but crucial: control the door's closing speed and ensure it latches securely every single time.
Without a functioning door closer, you're dealing with:
- Doors that slam violently (scaring customers and damaging the door)
- Doors that close too slowly (wasting air conditioning)
- Doors that don't latch (security nightmare)
- ADA compliance issues (doors closing too fast for wheelchair users)
We service all types of commercial properties across Miami, from retail storefronts on Lincoln Road to office buildings in Brickell and restaurants throughout Coral Gables.
Door Closer Services
- Door closer adjustment & repair
- Complete closer replacement
- Emergency same-day service
- Leaking door closer repair
- ADA compliance adjustment
- Preventive maintenance
- All closer types serviced
- Commercial-grade installations
- • Emergency repairs available
- • Same-day replacements
- • Commercial-grade hardware
- • All major brands serviced
Common Door Closer Problems (And What They Mean)
Recognizing these issues early can prevent more serious damage and safety hazards.
The Door Is Slamming Shut
This is the most common complaint we hear. A door that slams shut is annoying, unprofessional, and can actually injure someone.
What's happening: The hydraulic fluid inside the closer is bypassing too quickly, or the closing speed adjustment valve has failed.
The fix: We can often adjust the closing speed on-site in minutes. If the internal valves are damaged, replacement is the better option.
Oil Leaking from the Closer
See drops or streaks of fluid on your door or floor beneath the closer? That's hydraulic oil leaking out, and it means the closer is dying.
What's happening: The seals inside the hydraulic cylinder have worn out or cracked. Miami's heat and humidity accelerate seal deterioration.
The fix: A leaking closer almost always needs replacement. We carry commercial-grade closers in our vans and can replace a leaking unit same-day.
Door Won't Latch or Closes Too Slowly
Your door drifts closed slowly and doesn't quite make it to the latch, or stops a few inches short of closing completely.
What's happening: The closer's closing force is set too light, or internal components have worn out and can't generate enough pressure.
The fix: Sometimes we can adjust the power setting to increase closing force. If the closer is old or damaged, replacement ensures reliable latching.
Door Opens Too Easily or Too Hard
Customers struggling to open your door? Or does it swing open with almost no resistance?
What's happening: The backcheck function (which controls resistance when opening) is either too tight or completely failed. This affects accessibility and can cause ADA compliance issues.
The fix: Adjustment or replacement depending on the closer's condition. For businesses serving elderly customers or people with disabilities, proper opening resistance is essential.
We recently helped a medical clinic where a leaking door closer had created a slippery oil spot right at the entrance—a serious slip-and-fall hazard we resolved within an hour.
Types of Door Closers We Service
We have the expertise and tools to service all types of commercial door closers.
Surface-Mounted Closers
The standard type you see on most commercial doors. The entire mechanism is visible on the door face or frame. These are the easiest to service and replace. Brands we commonly work with include LCN, Norton, Dorma, and Yale.
Concealed Overhead Closers
The mechanism is hidden in the door frame header, giving a clean, modern look. Popular in upscale retail and office buildings. More complex to service but we have the specialized tools and expertise.
Floor-Mounted Closers
Used primarily on heavy glass doors in commercial entrances. The closer is installed in the floor beneath the door. These require specific knowledge to service properly—many locksmiths won't touch them, but we do.
Storefront Closers
Specifically designed for aluminum storefront doors common in strip malls and shopping centers throughout Miami. These handle the unique demands of all-glass doors and heavy traffic.
Why Door Closers Fail (Miami-Specific Issues)
Miami's climate and conditions create unique challenges for door closer longevity.
Heat and UV Exposure
Miami's intense sun and heat break down seals and fluids faster than in cooler climates. Exterior doors particularly suffer, especially west-facing entrances.
Salt Air Corrosion
Properties near the coast—from South Beach to Key Biscayne—face accelerated corrosion on door closer arms and mounting hardware. We recommend marine-grade components for coastal installations.
Hurricane Prep Damage
Every time a business boards up for a hurricane, there's a risk of damaging door closers with improper removal or reinstallation. We see a spike in service calls after storm season.
High Traffic Wear
A door closer in a busy Kendall shopping center might cycle 500+ times per day. That's 180,000+ cycles per year. Even quality closers have limits.
Neglected Maintenance
Door closers need occasional adjustment and lubrication. Most businesses never think about them until something breaks. Regular maintenance extends life significantly.
HVAC Pressure Issues
Strong HVAC systems creating air pressure differences can overwork door closers, especially on heavy glass doors. Proper closer sizing is critical.
Our Door Closer Service Process
Professional service from diagnosis to final testing.
Diagnosis
We examine the closer, test the door's operation, and identify whether adjustment, repair, or replacement is needed. We explain what we found and give you options.
On-the-Spot Adjustment
If it's a simple adjustment issue, we fix it immediately. This typically takes 10-15 minutes and can save you the cost of a new closer.
Professional Replacement
When replacement is necessary, we remove the old closer and install a new commercial-grade unit. We ensure proper positioning, adjustment for your specific door weight and traffic needs, and verify ADA compliance if applicable.
Testing and Fine-Tuning
We test the door multiple times, adjusting closing speed, latch speed, and backcheck to optimize performance. The goal is smooth, controlled closing every time.
Preventive Advice
We'll show you the adjustment points and explain signs to watch for so you can catch problems early.
Choosing the Right Replacement Closer
Not all door closers are equal. The right choice depends on several factors:
Door Weight and Size
Heavy glass doors need closers rated for their weight. Using an undersized closer leads to rapid failure.
Traffic Volume
High-traffic doors need heavy-duty commercial closers designed for frequent cycling. Budget residential-grade closers won't last in commercial applications.
Hold-Open Requirements
Need the door to stay open for deliveries? We can install closers with hold-open arms or electromagnetic hold-open devices that release during fire alarms.
ADA Compliance
Certain facilities must meet ADA requirements for opening force and closing speed. We ensure compliant installation.
Aesthetics
For upscale locations, concealed closers or color-matched finishes maintain your design aesthetic.
Environment
Coastal locations need corrosion-resistant hardware. Exterior doors need weather-rated closers.
We help Coral Gables boutiques and restaurants select closers that provide security and climate control without compromising their elegant storefronts.
Emergency Door Closer Repairs
Some door closer failures can't wait:
A door that won't latch at closing time
A door slamming so violently it's cracking the frame
Oil leaking onto customer walkways
Complete door closer failure during business hours
We provide same-day emergency service throughout Miami-Dade County for urgent door closer issues.
Preventive Maintenance Saves Money
The best time to service a door closer is before it fails completely. We recommend annual inspection and adjustment for commercial doors.
Maintenance Includes:
- Testing closing and latching speed
- Checking for fluid leaks
- Inspecting mounting hardware
- Adjusting speed and force settings
- Lubricating moving parts
- Verifying ADA compliance
Maintenance Contracts Available
For businesses with multiple locations or building managers overseeing multiple properties, we offer maintenance contracts that include scheduled service visits throughout the year.
Priority scheduling
Discounted service rates
Detailed service records
Emergency response included
Service Areas Throughout Miami-Dade
We service commercial door closers across the entire county:
Office towers and retail
Restaurants and boutiques
Strip malls and medical offices
Retail and waterfront properties
Shopping centers and offices
Commercial districts
Plus Aventura, Palmetto Bay, Key Biscayne, and beyond
Related Commercial Services
Door closers are just one component of your business security and accessibility.
Get Your Door Closer Fixed Today
Don't let a failing door closer damage your door, waste energy, or create liability issues. Whether you need a simple adjustment or complete replacement, 305 Locksmith has the expertise to solve your problem quickly.
Same-day service • Emergency repairs • Free estimates • Maintenance programs available